While Delhi is shrouded in an unprecedented nine-hour stretch of dense fog, severely affecting air and rail travel, Shimla recorded its warmest January day ever, only for the region to brace for an impending snowfall alert.
Northern India is grappling with extreme weather conditions, causing widespread disruptions and concerns. While Delhi is shrouded in an unprecedented nine-hour stretch of dense fog, severely affecting air and rail travel, Shimla recorded its warmest January day ever, only for the region to brace for an impending snowfall alert.
Kashmir Valley is also under “orange alert” and is preparing for heavy snowfall, while Punjab and Haryana are enduring zero visibility due to persistent fog and plummeting temperatures. In Jharkhand, a cold wave has prompted school closures as temperatures dip to chilling lows.
Delhi sees unprecedented fog, causing major disruptions to flights and trains
Delhi was engulfed by an intense fog on Saturday, marking the longest stretch of zero visibility this season. The thick fog blanketed the city from 6 pm to 3 am, a full nine hours of disruption, severely affecting both air and rail travel. At Indira Gandhi International Airport, runway visibility plummeted to just 100-250 meters, leading to the diversion of 15 flights.
Furthermore, 81 trains were delayed due to the poor weather conditions.
Flight operations continued under “CAT III” conditions, which allow limited departures and arrivals, though non-CAT III compliant aircraft were grounded.
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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) noted that the maximum temperature in Delhi stood at 20°C, slightly above average, with a minimum of 7.8°C.
The IMD predicts a partly cloudy sky for Sunday with moderate fog in several areas, particularly during the morning. The maximum temperature will likely hover around 18°C, with a low of 10°C.
Shimla records warmest January day since 2006
Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, recorded its highest-ever maximum temperature for January on Friday, reaching 22°C, surpassing the previous record of 21.4°C set in 2006. Across the region, temperatures have been unusually high, with many places reporting readings 4-7°C above the normal range.
However, a sharp weather shift is expected in the coming days. The Meteorological Department has issued an “orange” alert for snowfall and rain across several districts, including Shimla, Kullu, and Mandi.
Snowfall is anticipated to begin on Sunday, continuing through January 7, with clearer weather expected by January 8.
Shimla's minimum temperature for the day was recorded at 11.5°C, the second-highest for January, while other areas like Manali, Solan, and Dharamshala also saw record-breaking daytime highs.
‘Orange’ alert in Jammu & Kashmir
Kashmir experienced thick fog on Saturday morning, which caused delays in flights, particularly in Srinagar. With temperatures plummeting, the region is bracing for more severe winter weather. The Met office has issued an orange alert for snow, forecasting moderate to heavy snowfall across the region, especially in higher altitudes. Snowfall is expected to intensify through the night and into Sunday morning.
Srinagar recorded a low of -1.6°C, while Qazigund in the south of the valley was the coldest, dipping to -6.6°C. Kashmir is currently enduring “Chillai-Kalan,” the harshest winter phase, which will last until January 30.
Visibility drops to zero in Punjab-Haryana, temperatures dip further
A thick fog continued to shroud much of Punjab and Haryana on Saturday morning, reducing visibility to zero in several key cities. Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Ambala were particularly affected, making travel treacherous and complicating daily activities. The persistent fog, coupled with low temperatures, has left residents and travelers facing harsh conditions.
In Haryana, the lowest minimum temperature was recorded at 4.4°C in Narnaul, while Hisar and Gurugram registered lows of 5.5°C and 6°C, respectively. In Punjab, Sangrur and Bathinda reported similarly cold conditions, with temperatures of 5.1°C and 5.2°C. The capital city of Chandigarh recorded a low of 7.8°C. These extreme temperatures and the ongoing fog are expected to persist, creating a challenging environment for both local residents and commuters.
Severe cold leads to school closures in Jharkhand
Jharkhand is also experiencing a cold wave, with temperatures dropping below 6°C in some areas. As a result, the state government has decided to close schools for students up to grade 8 from January 7 to 13. Schools for older students (grades 9-12) will remain open.
Khunti, a district in the state, recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 5.3°C. The cold wave is expected to persist for the next several days, with dry conditions continuing.
The authorities have urged residents to take precautions against the cold as the region faces ongoing chilly conditions.